Bill's monthly weather report.

Glorious September weather ensured the racecourse looked stunning for the 2017 Jockey Club race day.

A dry, frosty September: Much to the disappointment for local farmers, September’s rainfall was well below the average of 50.1 mm when just 9.8 mm (40 points) was recorded at the Grenfell Weather Station. The very dry September was in complete contrast to last year’s record rainfall for the month when Grenfell had a massive 233.8 mm or 9 inches and 36 points. Our driest September was in 1946 when 1.5 mm (6 points) was measured. The 9.8 mm recorded for September this year has brought the total so far to 294.5 mm (9 inches and 78 points) Grenfell’s yearly average rainfall is around 600 mm (24 inches). There will have to be a lot of rain between now and the end of the year if Grenfell receives close to its average. Going into Spring, wheat, canola and pastures crops were looking promising, however due to the lack of moisture and the severe frosts, crops have slipped back and are desperate for a good soaking.

Temperatures: The minimum average temperature for the month of 4.6 degrees is below the average since 1965 of 6.2 degrees. Grenfell’s coldest September morning this year was recorded on 17th when it was a very cool –2.2 degrees. Our highest minimum recorded since 1965 was 19.2 degrees on September 28, 2012 and our coldest morning was –2.5 in September 2012. In September this year, our warmest day was recorded on 23rd when it reached a very warm 31 degrees. Other warm days were September 3- 24.8 degrees, 25.8 degrees on 12/9/17, 27 degrees- 22/9/17 and 29.8 degrees on September 27. The average maximum for the month was 19.3 degrees and since 1965 the average is 18.3 degrees. Grenfell’s hottest September day since 1965 was recorded on September 30 when it rose to 32.5 degrees. The lowest maximum was just 8.3 degrees on September 14, 1969. The first few days of October have been sunny, although the nights and early mornings have been quite fresh. Lets hope that October’s rainfall is around the average mark and gives crops a well needed drink.